Miami Native Last Served as Frederick Hitting Coach in 2015

By Frederick Keys | November 7, 2018 4:07 PM

FREDERICK, MD-On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Phillies hired former Frederick Keys Hitting Coach, Paco Figueroa, to be the team's Outfield and Baserunning Coach. Figueroa joins the Phillies from the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he served as the organization's Minor League Hitting Coordinator. It marks Figueroa's first Major League assignment as a coach or player.

Figueroa, 35, is reunited with his former boss, now Phillies manager, Gabe Kapler. Kapler originally hired Figueroa when the former was Dodgers Director of Player Development. He inherits a Phillies team that was 23rd in the Majors in stolen bases in 2018. Not the first time the Miami native has been in the Phillies organization, Figueroa concluded his affiliated career with the Double-A Reading Phillies in 2011.

Before joining the Los Angeles Minor League system, Figueroa served as the Keys Hitting Coach in 2015. That season he mentored current Orioles Trey Mancini and Chance Sisco to big seasons, with each batting over .300 in Carolina League play. Both eventually earned promotions to Double-A Bowie and helped lead the Baysox to an Eastern League title.

In addition to coaching in Frederick, Figueroa played for the Keys in 2006, batting .284 over 90 games. That season, he was named a Carolina League Midseason and Postseason All-Star.

Figueroa joins a solid list of former Keys managers and coaches to reach the Major Leagues. This list includes former Keys skippers Jerry Narron, Pete Mackanin, Dave Cash and Tony Beasley.

Planning for the 2019 Frederick Keys season is underway, which includes the Carolina League All-Star Classic on Tuesday, June 18 presented by Visit Frederick. The Keys schedule for next season is available by clicking here, while fans can buy/renew ticket plans for the 2019 season by calling 301-815-9900. To follow Keys offseason news, events and more, fans can visit frederickkeys.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.